REVIEW

REVIEW

If you've never heard of drummer Billy Kilson before, Pot's & Pans would be an excellent baptism into the world of this elite drummer!

This CD is Billy's second solo project ... and every track showcases his creativity and musical pallette ... not only as world-class drummer, but also a composer and producer.

I personally dislike using one drummer's playing styles to describe another drummer, but if you want to get an idea of what to expect from Billy's playing, do the following. Take Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers, Lenny White and Jack DeJohnette, throw them in the skillet, bring to a boil while stirring continuously until well blended ... and you've got Billy Kilson.

The CD opens with four separate tracks are sub-titled under the main title BK calls "Groovements". I find it interesting that the length of these four tracks ranges from 53 seconds to 1 minute and 58 seconds. It's an interesting concept, especially since there's post-production playing a big role in piecing this four tracks, which almost sound like separate thoughts creatively brought together to form one idea.

The entire album has a contemporary Jazz/Funk/Fusion feel to it although this seems to be a limiting label as the overall vibe sounds much broader than those definitions typically imply. The quartets approach is creative, leaving lots of space and air ... as well as some serious chop displays by everyone ... not just Billy!

Besides having a lot wonderful grooves, beautiful compositions and tight improvisations on the entire CD, Pot's & Pans makes for some fantastic analysis by the drummer/percussionist. Track eight, "Guardian Soul" is a solo drum composition, ala Max Roach, in which Billy makes extensive use of the Swiss Army Triplet (a drum rudiment) around the drumkit. Back on track three, "Groovements: A Camelot", mid-way through the tune, the entire band plays a smooth rhythmic modulation ... where several groupings of eighth-note triplets become the new quarter-note pulse for the song; nice.

I highly recommend this album to all drummers, regardless of their personal music genre preferences. I found the entire album to be well produced and a sonic pleasure to listen to ... again, and again, and again.